Quote:
Originally Posted by speakingtohe
No matter what the end retail price is the author and publisher still get paid the same unless they themselves choose otherwise.
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Actually, it's not so much about authors and publishers as it is about bookstores. If MacBooks down the road mustn't compete on price with ArtsyBooks Ltd. the latter's greater selection, knowledgeable staff etc. may allow them to survive, thrive even, under the right circumstances.
This is true for online shopping, too: Amazon must charge the same price as your friendly neighborhood bookstore (with free shipping the only incentive they're allowed to throw in). It's still more convenient to have them ship books to your doorstep, and the selection is unmatched, obviously, but it gives "real" bookstores a fighting chance. At least that's the idea.
I am not sure how ebooks fit into the whole scenario. Many of these arguments (limited shelf space, costly brick-and-mortar presence) simply don't apply to them.